Meeting of the Parliament 07 February 2017
I do not know how many “ifs” were in that question, but it was not by any means clear. Our proposal does not have a chance of going any further if Mr Russell’s party does not back it here and at Westminster. That is the best way to get to the democratic will of the British people. If he is so pro-European, he will back our amendment. I notice that he did not answer my question, which I presume means that he is in favour of using the Brexit debate only to generate further grievance for another independence campaign. That is something that we will have nothing to do with.
The SNP and the Conservatives are both right about one thing, however—they are both right about each other. The SNP accused the Conservatives of risking our economy with a hard Brexit. The SNP is right about that. The Conservatives accuse the SNP of risking the economy with its plans for Scottish independence. The Conservatives are right about that. The Conservatives, with their hard Brexit, and the SNP, with independence, will cause real damage to our economy. They are determined to pursue their ideological goals, irrespective of the consequences. Both are determined to deliver independence or a hard Brexit, no matter how many jobs are lost, businesses are closed or taxes are lost. It is that ideological pursuit that will damage our fortunes and our future. It is partnership with our neighbours, both in the United Kingdom and in the European Union, that will deliver a safer country, protect our environment and build a stronger economy.
I move amendment S5M-03858.4, to insert at end:
“; believes that a democratic decision cannot end with a ‘blank cheque-Brexit’ and a deal that nobody voted for being imposed by the UK Conservative administration, and calls for the bill to be rejected unless the UK Government agrees to a referendum on the final terms of Brexit.”
Motions, questions or amendments mentioned by their reference code.
- S5M-03858.4 Article 50 Motion